I'm resembling OP's opening remarks. Age 49, 6'1" and 270 lb. (hoping to drop that down some) with 32-33" inseam, only started riding 4 years ago, and that on an old Yamaha cruiser ('94 Virago 535). I'm thinking I might "trade up" to something newer and bigger, esp. because I want to go on more and longer weekend rides.

Also, I'm hoping to do some longer crazier rides later, e.g. going back to my homeland (lived half my life in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories), and maybe driving to Inuvik on the (unpaved) Dempster Highway. (I've been to Inuvik many times, but only ever flew there, never took the road.) I can't see myself going full-dirt crazy, but more and more I think I'd really like something that won't panic when the pavement runs out.

I'm not ready to pick a specific bike just yet, but my two "data points" are that 1) I just finished reading Neil Peart's Ghost Rider (his story of riding 55,000 miles over 14 months on his R1150GS after the death of his daughter and wife in 1997-98), so the R1200GS is definitely on my brain, and 2) I remember hearing about the Super Ténéré coming out a couple of years back and thinking "Hmmm, that looks interesting." So when the time comes, I might test drive those two to start.

My big question, though, is as a new-ish rider who's never ridden on dirt before (not even any teenage mini-bike adventures), how would the transition from "small-ish cruiser" to "1200 adventurer tourer" be likely to go? What sorts of things should I watch for? What are good ways to get some "beginner practice" on dirt/rocks/gravel? Stuff like that. I did some searching here, but didn't find any "n00b" threads (and if there are such out there, I'd love to be pointed in their direction).

My big question, though, is as a new-ish rider who's never ridden on dirt before (not even any teenage mini-bike adventures), how would the transition from "small-ish cruiser" to "1200 adventurer tourer" be likely to go? What sorts of things should I watch for? What are good ways to get some "beginner practice" on dirt/rocks/gravel? Stuff like that. I did some searching here, but didn't find any "n00b" threads (and if there are such out there, I'd love to be pointed in their direction).

Going from dirt to road is a pretty easy transition. The other way is more difficult and especially with a behemouth. A GS or Tenere are about the toughest there are to handle off pavement. I cringe for broken legs, ankles, collar bones.

If you are going to be a road rider that occasionally saunters down a dirt road you'll manage. If you want to become a proficient offroad rider then get a dualsport and go out and ride, ride, ride. Get some buddies and get some time in. Take a class with Rawhyde or Jimmy Lewis. And don't ride a pig offroad with hard panniers. It's a great way to run over your own leg.

Either are a good long distance tourer. Both are difficult on low speed handling - they're both heavy.

Going from dirt to road is a pretty easy transition. The other way is more difficult and especially with a behemouth. A GS or Tenere are about the toughest there are to handle off pavement. I cringe for broken legs, ankles, collar bones.

If you are going to be a road rider that occasionally saunters down a dirt road you'll manage.

Thanks. I think that's my most likely niche. The worst roads I would anticipate riding would be the Dempster Highway (Dawson YK - Inuvik NT) and the Liard Highway (Fort Nelson BC - Fort Simpson NT). Near here, the ghost town trail is probably the worst I'd see, and I gather much of it isn't too bad at all.

We're just finishing the purchase of a house, so once all the dust settles and we see what the monthly budget ends up looking like....

Some of the gravel roads north can be trecherous, especially at speed or when wet. TKC's are popular for the big bikes, as are Heideneaus and Fullbore USA's. Everything is fine till you get to the shoulder or get run off the road.

There are adventure bikes for every budget. For lesser money the older GS's are great, even a V-Strom. For new, there's also the S10, Guzzi Stelvio, and the Triumphs - 800 and 1200. The triumphs are nothing like days of old. They are really fine machines now, some are saying the best. If you're not going to ride dirt, or only smooth dirt, a good road bike is also enjoyable. The new honda 700 is getting a lot of praise. You really don't need a liter-plus bike to tour.

Definitely take an advanced riding course. That's one thing BMW is really good about, getting new riders or old riders going again. Rawhyde is good for learning to ride a GS competently.

I've ridden pretty much all of them, owned a 'strom 1000 when they were first out, and have now landed on the Tiger 800XC. For me it checked all the right boxes. A trip north is coming up one of these summers if ol' lady ever gets back to work again.

I have one for primarily road and primarily dirt.
My tiger in touring form:

And my dualsport that sees tougher dirt routes. I'd probly take it to BC to ride the mountains and trails up there. Will do gravel roads at 70 all day, and tougher two-track jeep trails.

Some of the gravel roads north can be trecherous, especially at speed or when wet. TKC's are popular for the big bikes, as are Heideneaus and Fullbore USA's. Everything is fine till you get to the shoulder or get run off the road.

There are adventure bikes for every budget. For lesser money the older GS's are great, even a V-Strom. For new, there's also the S10, Guzzi Stelvio, and the Triumphs - 800 and 1200. The triumphs are nothing like days of old. They are really fine machines now, some are saying the best. If you're not going to ride dirt, or only smooth dirt, a good road bike is also enjoyable. The new honda 700 is getting a lot of praise. You really don't need a liter-plus bike to tour.

Definitely take an advanced riding course. That's one thing BMW is really good about, getting new riders or old riders going again. Rawhyde is good for learning to ride a GS competently.

I've ridden pretty much all of them, owned a 'strom 1000 when they were first out, and have now landed on the Tiger 800XC. For me it checked all the right boxes. A trip north is coming up one of these summers if ol' lady ever gets back to work again.

I have one for primarily road and primarily dirt.
My tiger in touring form:

And my dualsport that sees tougher dirt routes. I'd probly take it to BC to ride the mountains and trails up there. Will do gravel roads at 70 all day, and tougher two-track jeep trails.

Man that is one Bad Ass Husky! Tempted to sale my left nut for that bike. Since my right one is already roasted and ate'n by my wife and kids. Nice set up. You have the best of all worlds.

Hey Graham,
If I was paid by Yamaha and didnt have to worry about paying for damages i think most of us would do this also. If it wasnt my bike I would pop up on that boulder just like this dude anytime. Could you imagine being paid to do this!! And not one worry about damaging the bike!! I am sure Graham, you would have some great jumping pics yourself.:
Oh and with the bike set up to do this...Then go home after and see your bike slumbering in your garage after a day of abusing Yamahas test bike..